Countless generations of indigenous peoples have consumed herbs to increase metabolism and boost energy. Though they undoubtedly cannot explain the inherent physiology, they certainly are familiar with the effects. Industrialized peoples have the advantage of anecdotal evidence and scientific research when choosing an herbal remedy to raise metabolism, usually in an effort to lose weight. Solid natural remedies are available, but consulting your primary care physician before embarking on metabolism-altering herbs is recommended.
Green Tea
Green tea displays numerous health-promoting properties, including stimulating metabolism and slightly increasing body temperature, which is called a thermogenic effect. Green tea contains catechin polyphenols, which stimulate the release of the hormone and neurotransmitter norepinephrine, raise body temperature and increase caloric burning. The effect of green tea on metabolism is not dramatic, maybe a five percent increase if taking large doses of green tea extract, but it is often touted as an effective weight loss supplement, according to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism." Some studies have verified green tea's ability to reduce body fat and blood cholesterol levels, but other factors such as diet and exercise also play important roles. Green tea naturally contains caffeine, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release testosterone, a hormone that increases metabolism and boosts energy.
Kelp
Kelp is a variety of edible seaweed and considered extremely nutritious. In addition to numerous minerals and amino acids, kelp is rich in B vitamins. The B-vitamin complex, particularly B-6, B-7 and B-12, stimulate cellular metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat into usable forms of energy. Kelp is also a rich source of iodine, the central element within two thyroid hormones --- thyroxin and triiodothyronine. These hormones increase your basal metabolic rate and caloric burning, as cited in "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." A deficiency of iodine leads to hypothyroidism, which brings a lack of energy, weight gain and difficulty keeping warm.
Coconut
Coconut, especially its concentrated oil, also stimulates your thyroid, which is your "control gland" for metabolism. Once omega fatty acids and other compounds within coconut oil stimulate the thyroid, the organ secretes thyroxin, which increases the metabolic rate and amount of calories burned, as cited in "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition." Omega-3 fatty acids also help the body store blood sugar as fuel instead of fat. Coconut oil also displays strong laxative properties, causing bowel movements, stimulating digestion and further increasing metabolism secondarily.
Ginseng
Asian ginseng root, also called Panax ginseng, is considered the strongest variety of ginseng. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to boost energy levels and fight fatigue. Compounds in Asian ginseng stimulate and regulate fat metabolism and have a variety of effects on hormones and neurotransmitters that lead to enhanced alertness, vitality and vigor, as cited in "Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica." The Korean or red variety of Asian ginseng root is the most potent, due to its unique methods of preparation and preservation.
References
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism: 5th Edition"; Sareen S. Gropper and Jack L. Smith; 2009
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica"; Dan Bensky, et al.; 2004
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